PASSES Location : Kullu and Lahaul District of Himachal Pradesh Famous Passes : Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass Major Attraction : Trekking and Skiing Other Attraction :Temples, Villages

Baralacha Pass

Lahual & Spiti Monasteries

Adventures

Rohtang Pass

Famous Passes To Reach the Land of Gods

Himachal Pradesh is a mosaic of Himalayas with dashes of green of verdant trees, a little of the blue along the white sparkle of the rivers and lakes, and the endless stretch of the grey passes molding their way in the brown and white mountains. You should come to Himachal Pradesh that is dominated by three main mountain ranges that spread over the entire area. The Dhauladhar Range (4500-5000 m), Pir Pinjal Range (5000m ) and the Great Himalayan Range (over 6000 m) are the fosterer of these passes that will prove to be a feast to your eyes. Besides being a spectator's delight, these high mountain passes have also been the favored destination of adventurers, most importantly – Trekkers and Mountain bikers.

So what are you thinking!!! Come to Himachal Pradesh to see the changing colors of the mountains and indulge in trekking in order to enjoy the most spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas.

Baralacha Pass – Path With Cross Roads

At an altitude of 4890 m and on the long Manali – Leh road that paves way for the Baralacha mountain ranges is this Baralacha Pass. This 8 kms long pass is popularly known as the pass 'where many roads meet'. Signifying the dividing line between main Himalayas and Lahaul range, this pass further extends till Zanskar and is one of the best trekking passes in the world. While crossing the pass, look down to see the two rives Chandra and Bhaga, that flows parallel with the pass. This pass also instrumental in acting as gateways to various parts of Himachal Pradesh. This pass is also famous for the Suraj Tal lake, that is located at its head in Lahaul and Spiti district of the state.

As far as adventure options are concerned you should come in the month of mid July to September, which is the ideal time for trekking. The most famous route for trekking here, lasts for 18 days and covers the areas of Manali, Batal, Chandra Tal, Tokping Yongma and Baralacha and back down to Manali.
To come to Baralacha Pass, you should take the Manali – Leh road which is at a distance of 73 kms from Keylong.

Desolate Yet Scenic Pin Parbati Pass

Pin Parbati Pass – Valley of Shadows

This forms one of the most strenuous routes for trekking which lies at an altitude of 5320 m above sea level. Lying in the Kullu – Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, this pass is conspicuous by its rocky terrains and prayer flags. Once on this pass, you cannot miss the aerial view of the snow capped mountains that acts as a contrast to the barren mountain declivities. You will be baffled to see the cultivated villages that denotes the cultural life of the people. The most delightful exploration will definitely be the small monasteries that lies in the secluded areas of the passes.

Adventurers have a great time at the Pin Parbati pass. Take the 17 day tour that begins from Manikaran and passes through Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai, before reaching this pass. See the confluence point of the the two rivers of Spiti and Sutlej.

Reaching this pass is very simple. All you have to do is to fly from Delhi to Bhuntar from where Manali is just 42 kms drive away. Second option is to board a train from Delhi to Kalka. From Kalka its 334 kms long drive to Manali.

Rohtang Pass - The Highest in Himachal

This is the most celebrated pass in the state as well as the country. This high mountain pass connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valley and is located at an height of 3,978 m above sea level. This is the highest point in the state as the main highlight is the breath taking panorama of the mountain ranges. This pass in open only from the month of June to September, where the population in predominantly Buddhist. You should see and understand the rich culture of the people, that seem to have been unaffected by modernity.

Trekking here is also a great indulgence. The most famous trekking route in Rohtang pass is route that connects Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti valley. Besides trekking, another adventure options that has gained fervency in Rohtang pass is Skiing. The ideal destination for this sport in this pass is Sonapani glacier.

This being one of the most famous pass in the country is easily accessible. Rohtang pass has better connectivity by roads from Manali - Kullu Valley (51 km), but the route can get blocked anytime because of unexpected snowfalls, which is quite apparent in this part of Himachal Pradesh.

Buddhists Attractions in Kunzum Pass

Kunzum Pass – On the Footprints of Rohtang

Just as Rohtang is the gateway to Lahaul, Kunzum is the same for Spiti from Kullu and Lahaul. Perched at an height of 4590 m above sea level, visiting this pass at anytime of the year is the ideal time, due to the climatic conditions. Dotted with various attractions, Kunzum Pass offers panoramic view of the second largest glacier in the world, Bara- Sigri. On the top most point of the pass, you should see the temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. From here, the view of the scenery is hypnotic. The nearby tourist attraction also deserves some mention. On the way to the pass, you should not miss seeing the beautiful hill resorts of Baralacha La, Darcha, Tanglang La and Sarchu.

As far adventure is concerned, the most famous trek in this area is the route from Tandi to Killar. Another favorite trekking route is a 12 km long trek from Kunzum pass to Chander Tal.

You can easily reach this pass you should by cross the Rohtang Pass and drive 20 kms to reach Gramphoo. From here you should take a right turn to reach the pass. Road is the perhaps the best medium to reach this pass.

Other Noted Passes in Himachal

Some of the other passes in Himachal that are not as celebrated as the above are the Dulhi Pass, Chauri Pass, Sara Umga Pass, Manali Pass, Kamilaga Pass, Asha Gali, Chabia Pass. These are some of the passes that have not been explored extensively, hence giving a chance to the traveller to experience something that has not been yet diagnosed. Come to these passes in Himachal and discover something new that will credit your personality.